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Hartzell Propeller Obtains STC for Three-Blade Propeller on Piper Malibu Mirage Aircraft

Date: March 1, 2001 Category: Press Releases
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Composite Propeller Improves Aircraft Performance and Comfort

Hartzell Propeller Inc. has developed a Top Prop™ STC propeller conversion kit for all Malibu Mirage (PA-46-350P) aircraft manufactured prior to 1998. The three-blade, 80-inch diameter composite propeller is the most durable propeller currently available for the Mirage, featuring three Kevlar™-epoxy blades with advanced airfoils.

PIQUA, Ohio – March 1, 2001 – Hartzell Propeller Inc. announced today that it has developed a Top Prop™ STC propeller conversion kit that has been approved for all Malibu Mirage (PA-46-350P) aircraft manufactured prior to 1998. The availability of the kit gives owners the opportunity to upgrade their aircraft to the same propeller Piper has been installing on new Malibu Mirage aircraft at the factory since 1998.

Installation of the three-blade, 80-inch diameter composite propeller reduces takeoff ground roll by up to 25 percent. In addition, aircraft using the new kit can clear a 50-foot obstacle in 11 percent less takeoff distance. Cruise speed remains unchanged with the new prop.

The Hartzell propeller is the most durable propeller currently available for the Mirage, featuring three Kevlar™-epoxy blades with advanced airfoils. The Hartzell composite blade structure, originally developed for the regional airline industry, has millions of hours of flight experience in all climates. The propeller is certified to the latest bird-strike and lightning strike criteria. Installation of the kit also includes a ground lockout system to prevent blade damage resulting from the accidental operation of the de-ice system.

“The improved thrust on the runway is very noticeable with the new Hartzell propeller,” said Mr. Tom Kieffer of Eden Prairie, Minn., who is a member of the Malibu Mirage Owners and Pilots Association (MMOPA) and operates a 1989 Mirage. “Not only does my aircraft takeoff and climb faster, but I also experience a lot less vibration and lower noise levels in the cabin.”

The kit includes the 80-inch diameter three-blade composite propeller with all de-ice equipment (except airframe electrical wire), polished spinner and STC documents.
List price for the kit is $21,900.

Hartzell’s Top Prop conversion kits feature improved service and maintenance benefits including a six-year, 2,400 TBO (the longest service interval available). The propeller also has the Hartzell Plus Three™ warranty, covering parts and service for up to three years or 1,000 hours.

Hartzell propeller conversions offer pilots one of the easiest and most economical methods for improving the performance of their aircraft. With a wide variety of Beech, Cessna, Commander, Mooney, Piper, and SOCATA aircraft kits available, the Top Prop family represents the largest and most complete propeller conversion offering in the world.

Hartzell Propeller Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of propeller systems, well known for its advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities. The company is rich in aviation heritage, tracing its beginnings to relationships with Orville Wright and Glenn Curtiss. Significant technical innovations include the industry’s first full-feathering propeller for light twins, the first fully reversing propellers for corporate turboprops and the industry’s first composite structure blades. Hartzell was recently selected by NASA as the exclusive propeller partner for its General Aviation Propulsion (GAP) program-developing the next generation of general aviation propulsion systems.

For more information about the Piper Malibu Mirage propeller conversion kit or any other Top Prop performance conversion, visit the Top Prop section of the web site, or call toll free (800) 942-7767 or (937) 778-5726. Fax your request to Hartzell at (937) 778-4321 or email topprop@hartzellprop.com.

Hartzell Propeller